A simple method for the identification of three major haplotypes of the β2AR

We have developed a simple and efficient SSCP (single strand conformational polymorphism) method for haplotype determination of β2AR using four polymorphisms. The six different SSCP patterns were grouped into three major haplotypes named I, II and III. We studied a population of 199 individuals displaying all the haplotypes: 34.9% (group I), 36.1% (group II) and 29.5% (group III). This population was subdivided into three groups: normal weight, overweight and obese individuals. There were no significant differences between the haplotypes of normal and overweight individuals. The haplotype frequencies in the group of normal weight subjects were 39% (I), 33% (II) and 28% (III). The overweight individuals presented frequencies of 38% (I), 33% (II) and 29% (III). The obese group showed marked differences for haplotypes I and II: 27.1% (I), 43.2% (II) and 29.7% (III) when compared to the normal weight group. For haplotype I the p value of normal to obese groups was 0.0403 with an odds ratio of 0.5761.Our two step SSCP method for β2AR haplotyping is simple, accurate and cost effective for studying large populations and may be a useful tool for easy and accurate identification of haplotype I which appears to have a protective role against developing obesity.